| We have had a busy week! The Jewish holiday of Purim was celebrated last weekend and we attended the monthly birthday lunch that Bridges for Peace hosts at their Food Distribution Center in Talpiyot, Jerusalem. To celebrate Purim, everybody dresses up in costumes and gives gifts of food called ‘Mishloach Manot’, amongst other traditions. SeehereĀ and/or here for more info on this awesome holiday. It is a holiday to celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from the evil Haman, through Queen Esther, as recorded in the Bible.
” Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, Throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes (in Hebrew, King Ahasuerus, another name for Xerxes) calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy” – Esther 9:20-22
The story of Esther is especially encouraging for us. It is so easy to meander through life, often side-stepping or jumping over important tasks or callings on our lives that God providesĀ opportunitiesĀ for. We know that we are here ‘For such a time as this’. We are here to serve, to show practical expressions of love to the Jewish people in the hope of reconciliation and relationship between Christians and Jews. We are here to raise awareness and biblical understanding of our hebraic roots with friends, family (YOU GUYS!) and the church globally. We know that we have taken a step of faith and taken up theĀ challenge andĀ privilegeĀ of living out God’s calling on our lives! Exciting! |
